Disney - Part 3

Thursday was Hollywood Studios Day. This was a fun day, but there were several “scary” experiences for Nate. He wanted to ride the Tower of Terror. We tried to tell him that it might be a little scary, but he wanted to ride anyway. Well, it was too scary. He said he would “never ever ride it again.” We also did the studio back lot tour, which was extremely boring by the way, that had some special effects scenes with very hot fire that he thought was scary.  He did love seeing Lightening McQueen and Mater.

We had the hardest time getting this picture (I'm not sure why the quality is so poor).  We had to wait in line to see Mater and Lightening so Nate was supposed to quickly walk up and smile and walk away.  Nate didn't care about having his picture taken, he wanted to check out Lightening and Mater...and I don't blame him.

I personally loved Hollywood Studies because of the live shows. Nate and Darren enjoyed them also. We saw Beauty and the Beast, the Little Mermaid and Disney Junior Live on Stage. We also had a great lunch that day at Hollywood and Vine. Special Agent Oso, two of the Little Einsteins and Handy Manny were there.

This was taken waiting in line for the Toy Story ride (Toy Story Mania maybe?).  We actually waited over 30 minutes for this ride because I forgot to get a fast pass.  Thankfully there were lots of things, like a huge talking Potato Head, to entertain us.

Disney - Part 2

You can read part one of this post here. 

Tuesday we went to Epcot. It was our least favorite park. Turtle Talk with Crush was fun and Soarin was a very neat flight simulation ride. Everything else was interesting, but not “must do” for a four year old. We also enjoyed walking through all of the different country exhibits. We had dinner that evening at Teppen Edo, a Japanese steak house. We were back to the room much earlier this night and were able to go swimming.

Wednesday we headed back to the Magic Kingdom. We made it in time to see the park open show.  Mickey and a lot of other characters ride in on the train and welcome everyone to the park with singing and dancing.  It was a lot of fun.

                              

 Thankfully, the park was a lot less crowded on Wednesday. Monday was so crowded, I cannot even imagine what the summer months must be like. We were able to ride/see shows with little or no wait. At the Monster’s Inc. show Nate was chosen to dance for everyone. He did a great job and enjoyed being on the big screen.



He did hit a wall around 11:00 and actually asked to go back to the room for a nap. I cannot remember the last time he has asked for a nap. We all had a good nap and headed back for more rides and fun. The best part of the evening was the Electrical Parade. It was amazing. Words really can’t describe how fun, beautiful and elaborate this parade is. We had our very best meal this evening at O’Hana. It’s a Polynesian restaurant at the Polynesian Resort.  We would definitely eat there again!

Giving Thanks Day 26

About this time last year I heard about Beth Moore's Scripture Memory Team that would start in January of 2011.  I have memorized scripture on and off since college, but definitely not as consistently as I would like.  Unfortunately I am not always as self-motivated as I would like to be and need accountability.  To be part of the scripture memory team, you had to commit to choose two verses or passages of your choice to memorize each month and post them on the Living Proof Ministries Blog on the 1st and 15th of every month. 
I know that God's word is powerful.  (It's actually "alive and active, sharper than any double edged sword.  It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit joints and marrow"  Hebrews 4:12...one of the verses I learned).  But, I honestly did not imagine what a blessing these verses would be to me this year.  They have been an encouragement to me every week and many of them have been the perfect prayer for various situations for myself or friends.
I am so thankful for God's word!  I am thankful that I have hidden more of it in my heart this year.

Giving Thanks Day 25 - Family Reunion

I am very thankful that we got to spend time with my Dad's family today.  We got to see relatives we haven't seen in years.  Nate had a great time playing with all of the kids and I had a great time catching up with the cousins.  Hopefully we'll do this again sooner than later.

Aunt Helen, Daddy, Aunt Lorene, Uncle Aub, Aunt Deb and Uncle Buck - Getting a picture of this crew is like herding cats!

My cousin Haley and me

 I found this picture of us a few weeks ago when I was looking for adoption profile pictures.  This was taken in high school (94 or 95?) when we were part of the school play, Jack and the Beanstalk.

This was a little like herding cats as well.  This is most of the cousins. 

Okay, this one is better.  Wait, everyone looks great except me!!!  My dad was taking the picture and I was trying to give him instructions and smile at the same time.  That didn't work out too well.  

Nate had a great time playing with his cousin, Raegan.

 Jill (sister), mom and me

Jill, Ashlyn (Jill's daughter), mom and me



Giving Thanks Days 23 & 24

Day 23 & 24 - I am thankful for two Thanksgiving celebrations with family - one Wednesday night and one Thursday.  We are so blessed to have wonderful family living close by and we are extremely thankful for them.

Giving Thanks Days 21 & 22

Day 22: I am thankful for our dishwasher.  We are hosting Thanksgiving this year and I've washed three full loads of dishes today preparing for tomorrow night. 

Day 21:  I am thankful for Nate's preschool teacher - Mrs. Tara.  Nate had an okay preschool experience last year, but this year has been excellent.

Giving Thanks Day 20

Today I am thankful for friends.  God has put several godly women in my life who are very near and dear to my heart.  They love me - good, bad, and ugly.  Most importantly, they encourage me and point me toward Christ.